February 7, 2011
I am saddened to report the passing of Dan Brown, yesterday, of pneumonia. He is survived by son Nick and daughters Amanda and Meghan.
Dan was a personal friend of mine, since the 7th grade. We were classmates in junior high and high school, part of a smaller group of couples that got together for dinner on prom nite.
As kids, we shared a love of baseball. Later in life, it was fastpitch that led to our paths crossing again. The game remained a passion of Dan’s throughout his life. Dan was a member of the old Signal Hill Roughnecks team in the 80’s and he and I were both involved with the Bullet fastpitch team organized by Mike Ryan during the 1990’s. Dan was a popular member of the squad, amazing everyone by overcoming a number of heart problems along the way, and always quick to share a joke, quip or laugh.
In recent years, after he hung up his cleats and glove, he became an umpire, including working with younger umpires for the ASA.
Dan took pride in his work as an umpire, applying the same dedication he did as a player and coach in the game. His Facebook moniker? “BeachUmp”. He was a product of Long Beach, and loyal to the local game, as well as other activities in town, including the local minor league baseball team, the LB Armada. His constant smile and distinctive laugh was a fixture among his friends, whose affection for him is clear in the postings at his Facebook page since his passing. (Readers are invited to view and post comments about Dan below)
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I miss you, my friend. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Funeral Services:
Friday – February 18, 2011 at 9: 00 am at
All Souls Mortuary
4400 Cherry Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807.
The telephone number is 562-424-8601.
From the Brown family:
We have scheduled Dad’s service to be on Friday, February 18th at 9:00am. It will take place at All Souls Mortuary with a reception to follow at the Lakewood Country Club immediately following (10am-2pm). In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a donation in Dad’s name please choose the charity of your choice or the LA Coastline Umpire Association which was near and dear to his heart.
All Souls Mortuary
4400 Cherry Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-8601Lakewood Country Club
3101 Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712
(562)421-0550Please feel free to forward this email to other loved ones and friends of Dad. I have so many email address I can’t tell who some are so please bear with me if I skipped some people or emailed you twice. Thank you to everyone for your continual love and support.
Love,
The Brown family
Editor’s note:
A very large turnout for Dan’s service at All Souls Cemetery chapel, and reception that followed. Dan’s son Nick and daughter Meghan spoke at the service. Meghan read a portion of a poem by Grantland Rice that we share with you:
Game Called — what more is there for us to say?
How dull and drab the field looks to the eye
For one who ruled it in a golden day
Has waved his cap to bid us all good-bye.
The Big Guy’s gone — by land or sea or foam
May the Great Umpire call him “safe at home.”
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